Hoop Net

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a hoop net comprised of netting mounted to two semicircular tubular rods, forming a ring that maintains its shape and structural integrity. The two semicircular tubular rods are fashioned to connect seamlessly by a fastening means that allows the entire assembly to function as intended. The hoop net assembly includes four stabilizing cords positioned equidistant from each other along the ring, which cords converge at the center of the hoop net assembly and are connected to each other by a fastening means, then further connected to a single draw cord. The draw cord is used to cast the assembled hoop net into water to a desired depth and pulled back into the boat with live bait. Once the hoop net assembly has been used, the metal rods are easily disconnected to facilitate folding the hoop net in half for easy storage and portability.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention has been created without the sponsorship or funding ofany federally sponsored research or development program.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to generally to fishing bait nets and inparticular to collapsible bait nets for easy storage and transport.

BACKGROUND

In the fishing industry, whether for sport or for profit, bait nets areused to capture small fish and/or sea creatures for use as bait toattract bigger fish such as marlin, tuna, tarpon or similar fish. Thebait nets usually used by fishermen come in varying forms, sizes, andshapes, but are invariable too cumbersome to store and transport. Inparticular, the bait nets used to catch larger bait need to be sturdyand able to withstand the rigors of being cast into the ocean from amoving or stationary vessel, dragged through water, and pulled back intoa boat. In instances where the bait net is sturdy enough to handle thisrigorous activity, they are not easily stored on or off the boat ortransportable from one venue to another. The rigid construct of mostgood bait nets results in rapid deterioration through sun exposure ortearing due to improper storage on a boat or in a garage or otherlocation not suitable to protect the delicate netting.

The present invention solves these problems by providing a collapsiblehoop net that is strong and sturdy to endure the rigors of capturingbait, and which is capable of being stored and transported with ease.The essential feature of this invention allows for the collapsing of thehoop net to be stored on the boat in a location that minimizes sunexposure and rapid deterioration. Alternatively, the collapsible/foldedhoop net may be stored in another location or may be packaged in aprotective casing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention serves to improve upon existing bait nets andaddress the storage and transport challenges facing the industry withoutsacrificing the strength and rigidity the bait net.

The present invention is a hoop net comprised of netting that is affixedor mounted to two semi-circular metal rods which when assembled appearto be one complete ring that maintains its shape and integrity. The twosemi-circular metal rods are fashioned to connect seamlessly by afastening means that allows the entire assembly to function as intended.Additionally, the position of the net about the semi-circular metal rodsis designed to evenly distribute weight and improve the overall balanceof the assembly. The net is affixed to the two semi-circular metal rodsand extends in a conical shape, creating a hoop or enclosed receptaclefor capturing and holding live bait as they are pulled from the waterinto a boat. Further, the hoop net and rod components of the inventionalso include four stabilizing cords positioned equidistant along thecircumference of the connected metal rods, which cords converge at thecenter of the hoop by a fastening means to a single draw cord. The drawcord is used to cast or lower the assembled hoop net into the water to adesired depth and pull the hoop net back into the boat with bait. Oncethe hoop net assembly has been used, the metal rods are easilydisconnected to facilitate folding the hoop net in half for easy storagein a bin on the boat or protective casing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there are four metalrods that are seamlessly connected to form a complete circular rod towhich the bait net is attached. This configuration allows the hoop netassembly to be collapsible into four components for easy storage in abin on the boat or in a protective casing. In yet another embodiment ofthe invention, the hoop net consists of one continuous circular tubularrod that is a complete ring without any breaks or points of connection.The latter embodiment of the invention focuses on the rigidity of thetubular rod and is designed for users who do not have a storage ortransport constraint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In describing the invention, reference will at times be madeto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of the assembled components of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the top portion of the assembledcomponents of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged top perspective view of the partially assembledcomponents of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of the partially assembledcomponents of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the present invention illustratingboth the assembled and disconnected ring component of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the present invention collapsed and folded.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the subject invention is described further, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the particularembodiments of the invention described below, as variations of theparticular embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope ofthe invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology employedis for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is notintended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims. In the followingdescription, numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the art towhich this invention belongs will recognize, however, that thetechniques described can be practiced without one or more of thespecific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. Inother instances, well known structures, materials or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

In this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unlessdefined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in theart to which this invention belongs.

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of the assembled components of thepresent invention, the hoop net 5, comprising two semicircular tubularmetal rods 10 connected at seamless connection points 60 (the darkenedarea shown in the FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only); with a net15 affixed or mounted to the tubular metal rods 10, which net extendsinto a conical shaped enclosed receptacle 20; and four stabilizing cords30 positioned equidistant along the circumference of the connected metalrods 10 and which cords converge at the center of the hoop net 5 by afastening means 32 and to a single draw cord 35. The net 15 is connectedto the metal rods 10 at points of connection 40 and 50 via a U shapedcord 42 that creates an opening which serves to facilitate the point ofconnection and disconnection of the metal rods 10. The net 15 is furthermounted in an interwoven pattern about the circumference of theconnected metal rods 10. On each interior side of the points ofconnection 40 and 50 for the net 15 is a thin layer of waterproof tape45 and 55 which keeps the net 15 in place about the seamless connectionpoint(s) 60. The four stabilizing cords 30 are positioned at equidistantpoints 25 along the circumference of the connected metal rods 10. Thesefeatures of the invention are further illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged perspective views of the partiallyassembled components of the hoop net 5. Both FIGS. provide a detailedview of the point of connection 60 of the metal rods 10. When the metalrods 10 are disconnected, they reveal connection components including ahollow open first end 65 and second end 70 having an indented groove orcrease 72 and a hollow pin-like extension 75. The hollow pin-likeextension 75 has a smaller diameter than the second end 70 from which itextends. For reconnection, the hollow pin-like extension 75 of thesecond end 70 is inserted into the hollow open first end 65 and securelyfastened by virtue of the dimensions of the components, creating thepoint of connection 60. The metal rods 10, including the first end 65,second end 70, and pin-like extension 75 are hollow and tubular indesign. The dimensions of the metal rods 10, including the first end 65,second end 70, and pin-like extension 75 may vary. However, a keyfeature of this design is that the interior diameter of the first end 65must be larger by a few millimeters than the outer diameter of thehollow pin-like extension 75.

In one embodiment of the invention, the interior diameter of the firstend 65 may be 0.8 mm and the outer diameter of the hollow pin-likeextension 75 may be 0.5 mm. When connected the two components 65 and 75fit securely together without slippage or movement until disconnected byplacing a thumb or other digit over the indented groove or crease 72 ofthe second end 70 and pulling apart. When connected, the diameter of thecircle created by the two metal rods 10 range from 4 to 6 ft. Thedisclosed dimensions of the connected metal rods 10 are not meant to belimiting, but illustrative and may be adjusted by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs for optimal function. FIG. 3is top perspective view of the present invention illustrating thedisconnected metal rods 10 where the hollow pin-like extension 75 isexposed and the connected metal rods 10 showing the indented groove 72near the point of connection 60.

In one embodiment of the invention, the net 15 consist of ¼″ mesh andthe bottom portion 20 is made of monofilament netting; the fourstabilizing cords 30 may be made of 3001 b. monofilament and areattached to the rods 10 at the equidistant points 25 by a crimp or otherfastener consisting of 3001 b. monofilament which is crimped for closurearound the rods 10. The term crimp or crimping should be given itsordinary meaning to compress something, to pleat, to corrugate, tocrease, or create a restriction or limitation. In fishing industryterms, a crimp is a machined hollow sleeve used to make joins inmonofilament and cable. The term is used herein to describe the processof compressing monofilament or nylon or rope or other cord together toform a secure closure means or reliable connection. The term is alsoapplied to the compressing of hollow or tubular metal to form a secureclosure about or a reliable connection to another material, includingbut not limited to the same or other metal. In this embodiment of theinvention, the four stabilizing cords 30 converge to the center of thehoop net 5 and are fastened together by means of 10/0 stainless steelswivel and is further attached to the draw cord 35 which may also bemade of 300 lb. monofilament that is 25 feet long and ¼″ thick. In thisembodiment, the U shaped cord 42 is also made of 300 lb. monofilamentand components 45 and 55 consists of wax string used keep the net 15 inplace about the seamless connection point(s) 60. Also in thisembodiment, the first end 65 and second end 70 have an outer diameter of⅛″ and inside diameter of ¼″ and is made of aluminum, while the pin-likeinsert 75 is 2.5″ in length, made of solid stainless steel and iscrimped (indicated by crease at 72) at the point of attachment to thesecond end 70 for a secure and reliable connection. Theconnection/disconnection points 60 are essential to allowing the hoopnet to collapse and fold into halves for efficient storage and transportof the hoop net as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the cords (30, 35, 42)described herein are made of monofilament. However, in other embodimentsthe cords (30, 35, 42) are not limited to this material, but may consistof or nylon material having the same or similar tensile strength andthickness of ordinary fishing line or other material of same or similarproperties known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, thenet 15 is made of mesh or similar fibers woven in a diamond-likestructure or lattice-like structure as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, seeinset on FIG. 3. However, in other embodiments of this invention thetype of fiber used and its pattern of weaving may be altered orsubstituted by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs to achieve optimal function. The metal rods 10 may be made ofaluminum or other metal of similar properties known to one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this invention belongs.

In other embodiments of this invention, the hoop net 5 consists of asingle tubular rod or ring that is continuous without any breaks orconnection points, while maintaining its rigidity, strength and abilityto withstand the rigors of catching bait. Alternatively, the hoop net 5consists of a single tubular rod or ring with only one connection point,having the same mode of connection as the first end 65, second end 70,and the pin-like insert 75 as described herein. These embodiments aredesigned to accommodate users who do not have problem with storage spaceor ease of transport, but who desire the assembly, function, andstrength of the hoop net 5.

As various changes may be made in the above-described subject matterwithout departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention, it isintended that all subject matter contained in the above description, orshown in the accompanying drawings, will be interpreted as descriptiveand illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. Many modifications andvariations of the present invention are possible in light of the aboveteachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bait net comprising: a. two semicirculartubular rods, each having a hollow first end and a second end with apin-like insert attached thereto, and the two semicircular rods areconnected together at each end to form a ring by means of the pin-likeinsert of the second end is inserted into the hollow first end for asecure fit at two points of connection; and b. a net made of mesh whichat its top portion has the same diameter as the ring formed by the twosemicircular tubular rods, and at its bottom portion extends into aconical shaped enclosed receptacle, forming a hoop; and c. the net isattached to the ring formed by the two semicircular tubular rods bymeans of: being interwoven about the circumference of the ring; andhaving two U shaped cords, with one about each point of connection ofthe ring; and each U shaped cord is fastened to the ring by a fasteningmeans and is held in place about each point of connection by wax stringthat is wrapped around the tubular rod and creates a barrier to themovement of the U shaped cords and the net; and d. four stabilizingcords, each separately attached to the ring by a fastening means andpositioned equidistant from each other about the ring, and which cordsconverge at the center of the ring and net assembly; and e. a draw cordthat is attached to the four stabilizing cords at their point ofconvergence by a fastening means.
 2. The bait net in claim 1 whereby thetwo semicircular tubular rods are made of aluminum and the net, the Ushaped cords, the stabilizing cords, and the draw cord are made ofmonofilament.
 3. The bait net in claim 1 whereby the bait net iscollapsible by means of the two semicircular tubular rods aredisconnected and folded in half for storage and portability.
 4. The baitnet in claim 1 whereby there are four rods connected together to formthe ring and is collapsible by means of disconnecting the four rods andarranging them for storage and portability.
 5. A bait net comprising: a.a single tubular rod, having a hollow first end and a second end with apin-like insert attached thereto, and the two ends are connected to forma ring by means of: the pin-like insert of the second end is insertedinto the hollow first end for a secure fit at one point of connection;and b. a net made of mesh which at its top portion has the same diameteras the ring formed by the single tubular rod, and at its bottom portionextends into a conical shaped enclosed receptacle, forming a hoop; andc. the net is attached to the ring formed by the single tubular rod bymeans of: being interwoven about the circumference of the ring; andhaving two U shaped cords symmetrically positioned on opposite sides ofthe ring; and each U shaped cord is fastened to the ring by a fasteningmeans and is held in place by wax string that is wrapped around thetubular rod and creates a barrier to the movement of the U shaped cordsand the net; and d. four stabilizing cords, each separately attached tothe ring by a fastening means and positioned equidistant from each otherabout the ring, and which cords converge at the center of the ring andnet assembly; and e. a draw cord that is attached to the fourstabilizing cords at their point of convergence by a fastening means;and f. the ring and net assembly is not collapsible.